Since its launch in December 2019, the VA Solid Start program has reached nearly 70,000 Veterans to help them connect with VA benefits and services – from education and career counseling to disability compensation and home loan guaranty.
Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging. While transitioning service members learn about VA benefits and services during the Transition Assistance Program, they may have more or different questions after they actually leave the military.
Through VA Solid Start, newly separated Veterans will receive three phone calls in their first year post-separation – around 90, 180, and 365 days. Veterans can use these calls to get answers to their questions to better understand and connect with the VA benefits and services that can help them, such as secure housing, identify education opportunities, and/or gain access to health care.
What’s more, the Solid Start VA representatives provide a consistent, personal interaction that centers on the individual Veteran’s needs for a successful transition.
“In the past, the onus was on Veterans to contact VA about their benefits,” said Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits Margarita Devlin. “Solid Start’s proactive model of caring, consistent contact is a game changer in the way VA interacts with Veterans. This program serves a critical component in VA’s overall goal to support Veterans in their first year of transition.”
Getting started is often the hardest part of the journey. From helping you understand your benefits to connecting you with career resources, VA is here to help you get a solid start.
When you see this number, 1-800-827-0611, take the call!
To learn more about Solid Start, please visit https://benefits.va.gov/solid-start
Meghan Badame is a communications and marketing specialist for VBA’s Office of Strategic Engagement.
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great
When I got out, after 1 week in Jr College the lady in the office call several of us veterans to the office and said “Get off my campus. The VA. isn’t paying for you any more.” We looked at each other shrugged our shoulders and and left her campus. So much for VA education!